The next day.
Noel returned to Shale with all his equipment. This time, he also brought the book with him so that Septa didn't find it. This was a perfect opportunity to buy some time from Septa, lessening the suspicion.
Noel looked at Shale and asked, "Sir Shale. Do you have any mission in a neighboring kingdom or something near that place?"
"Hmm? Neighboring Kingdom? Our Demon Banner Army doesn't stretch that far. We are only here to protect our kingdom, not the others."
"If that's the case, is there a mission near the border?"
"Whose border you're talking about?"
"Greenwood Kingdom's border."
"Greenwood?" Shale raised his eyebrows in surprise, never expecting Noel to leave the country.
"Yeah."
"Well, let me take a look first." Shale narrowed his eyes and started skimming the missions in the catalog. It was a surprise that there was actually one mission from that far away. "Is this what you want?"
Mission: Demons have been harassing the troops in the border.
Description: A group of demons have been spotted near the borders. Please dispatch a knight to investigate this matter.
Reward: 1000 Points.
Time Limit: -
"This is surprising. If we're talking about the border, the mission is supposed to be handled by our branch over there. It seems that you can go to our branch and report for the mission. Why does a mission like this exist… as if it's an invitation for you?" Shale squinted his eyes, not understanding the whole situation.
Noel also wanted to know the answer. He expected Shale to not have the mission, so he would just choose a mission as close as possible. But he never thought it would be this close.
"I don't understand either. But since there's such a rare opportunity for me, I'm going to take it." Noel nodded without hesitation.
"Still, leaving the kingdom, huh. In your case, I guess that's fine too. But don't forget to inform the higher up about your resignation." Shale sighed. After his family was executed, Noel would seriously consider another kingdom with his talent. Before he was recognized by the kingdom, it would be better to start his career there.
Noel never went this far because he wasn't strong enough, but this time, Noel should be able to complete the trip.
But Noel tilted his head in confusion. "What are you talking about? I'm not here to defect to another kingdom."
"Ah? Ehm… Alright?"
"Anyway, I'll be taking this mission. I have brought my luggage, so I'll be going immediately."
"I'll write a letter to the branch then. Wait a minute." Shale was confused, but it wasn't a matter he should get involved to, so he just focused on his job.
After receiving the letter, Noel immediately grabbed all his luggage and rode his horse. This was a long trip, so he truly needed a horse to shorten the time it took.
While passing the city gate, Noel looked at the blue sky while muttering, "One month trip to the neighboring kingdom and fifteen days to go to the Sword Saint Tomb. I only have fifteen days to finish my mission.
"Well, Ardagan Land is also on the way, but I guess there's already someone who occupy that land. For now, I shouldn't care much about it." Noel sighed as he steeled his resolve again. "Alright. Let's go shall we? To Ezenholm Family, my mother's family."
…
As Shale suspected earlier, the mission was none other than an invitation for Noel to go to the other kingdom.
The one who created that mission was none other than the former head of the Ezenholm Family from the Greenwood Kingdom.
He was sitting in his garden, enjoying the beautiful flowers. However, his eyes were fixated on the letter in his hand.
The letter contained the last message from Count Ardagan.
'Father-in-law! You must be happy right now since the bastard who stole your daughter is dead now! Hahaha! Then again, your daughter is with me, so you must be hating me. But don't kill yourself just to beat me, alright?'
The opening letter alone was making his blood pressure rise. He almost crushed the letter.
'I want to talk to you about many things, but I think it's impossible for me to do it now. I want to tell you this… Don't avenge me. I know that your power is strong, but please don't do it. This is my and Leysha's request.
"Besides, Noel will be exiled to the Demon Banner Army. This will be a painful memory in the chapter of his life, but I'm sure that Noel can overcome it. I know because I have seen Noel's potential.
"He is kinda lazy right now, but once he has to do something, he'll do that thing as quickly as possible. At the same time, he also has the protection of our ancestor.
"Anyway, can you do me another favor? I want you to set up a mission for Noel near the border so that he has a reason to go to your place. I'm sure that kid will visit you before becoming a full-fledged knight.
"Of course, I'm not asking you to take him in since he is Noel Ardagan, not Noel Ezenholm. Hahahahaha! I bet you almost crushed this letter. Hahahaha! But please read until the end, alright?
"Anyway, he'll come to you sooner or later. In his visit, I want you to teach him something. Well, you can judge his ability by yourself and teach him something you think is the best for him. I know that you hate me, but that's my sin, father-in-law. Don't hate Noel for this.
"Still, I and Leysha will always say this… We never and will never regret this choice. We're sorry for making you sad and always giving you trouble. If there's a chance, let's gather together and enjoy our time together… Please be well, Father. Goodbye."
The old man clicked his tongue. He wanted to crush the letter but stopped after seeing the last sentence. He let out a long sigh and muttered, "I never hated you, bastard. Leysha could only truly smile when she was with you. So, let me see this grandson of mine again to see what kind of change he has after experiencing all this."
